Van Nuys : Friends, Strangers Help Accident Victim

As she recovers in a hospital, spending her days learning to walk again, 7-year-old Yesenia (Vanessa) Medina is on the minds of family members, friends--and even strangers.

Since the Aug. 11 accident that killed her parents and her brother, Yesenia’s family has received numerous calls and cards from well-wishers and a fund has been set up in the family’s name to assist the little girl.

“A lot of friends, a lot of people have been calling because they want to help,” said Esther Linares of Van Nuys, a family friend who, along with her husband, will care for Yesenia when she is released from the hospital.

Yesenia was seriously injured when a driver, allegedly under the influence of drugs, broadsided a car driven by her parents, Ernesto Antonio and Anna Luz Medina. The two were killed immediately. Her 11-year-old brother, Carlos, died days later at a hospital.

Since the accident, Yesenia, who suffered broken legs and other injuries, has been in Los Angeles Childrens Hospital.

“She’s doing fine,” said Tim Bradley, hospital spokesman. Each day she spends three hours in physical and occupational therapy “to get her back on her feet--literally,” he said. She plays with other children in the rehabilitation unit and receives regular visits from her grandmother, Anna Elsy Rojas, and 9-year-old Patricia, Linares’ daughter and Yesenia’s best friend.

Yesenia’s story appeared in newspaper articles and television news, including KVEA Channel 52, a Spanish-language station, prompting calls and letters. One get-well card was delivered last week by the Los Angeles Children’s Museum--signed by more than 400 children.

Those who wish to assist may send checks or money orders to: Medina Family Fund, Account No. 0118224292, Great Western Bank, 6569 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys 91401.